If the IQ of a child is 45, in which category of Mental Retardation will he be categorised?

RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

Applied Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Delhi-2015

Explanation

An IQ score of 45 falls squarely within the range for Moderate Intellectual Disability, which is defined by both the WHO and DSM as approximately 35-49 or 35-55.
Individuals in this category are often described as 'trainable,' meaning they can acquire basic communication, self-care, and simple vocational skills with structured support and supervision.
Their developmental progress is markedly slower than peers, and as adults, their academic skills are typically at an elementary level.
While they can form relationships and participate in household tasks, they require ongoing support for more complex life decisions and tasks like managing finances.

Option A: Mild mental retardation corresponds to a higher IQ range, typically 50 to 70. An IQ of 45 is below this threshold.
Option C: Severe mental retardation is associated with a lower IQ range, typically 20 to 35. An IQ of 45 is above this category.
Option D: Profound mental retardation is the most severe category, with an IQ below 20. An IQ of 45 is significantly higher than this range.

Visual 1: Chart - A bell curve diagram illustrating the distribution of IQ scores in the general population, with shaded areas indicating the ranges for mild, moderate, severe, and profound intellectual disability. This helps visualize where an IQ of 45 falls.
Visual 2: Table - A comparative table detailing the expected adaptive skills (conceptual, social, practical) for each level of intellectual disability, providing a functional context beyond just the IQ number.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of intellectual disability based on IQ scores as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in early identification of developmental delays and supporting families of children with intellectual disabilities.
Care planning must be individualized, focusing on maximizing the person's potential for independence and ensuring a safe environment.
Patient and family education is paramount, involving teaching adaptive skills, managing behavior, and connecting the family with community resources like special education services and support groups.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to classify a specific IQ score.
The key piece of data is 'IQ of 45'.
Recall the standard classification system for intellectual disability (mental retardation) based on IQ ranges.
The ranges are generally: Mild (50-70), Moderate (35-50), Severe (20-35), and Profound (below 20).
Place the given IQ score (45) into the appropriate range.
Select the option that corresponds to that range, which is 'Moderate mental retardation'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of intellectual disability based on IQ scores.
Stem keywords: IQ, 45, child, Mental Retardation, category
Lead-in keywords: in which category
Clinical cues: IQ of 45: This specific value is the key determinant for classifying the level of intellectual disability.

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